1940 H.E.C Power Cycle (H.E.C 80cc two-stroke engine)
EXCELLENT UNRESTORED ORIGINAL; GOOD RUNNING ORDER; GREAT BRITAIN’S RAREST MODEL OF AUTOCYCLE!
This HEC Power Cycle, manufactured by Hepburn Engineering Co (HEC) of Kings Cross, London, was fitted with an 80cc deflector-top two-stroke engine made by Levis. The machine made its debut at the Earls Court Show in November 1938 and went on sale in 1939. However, sales were short-lived. With the outbreak of war, the company relocated to Birmingham. But, on 3rd May, 1940, the HEC factory in Thorpe St, Birmingham was bombed. No more autocycles were built, and Levis and HEC merged to manufacture air-compressors.
Although the Power Cycle was very well-received by both the motorcycling press and the public alike, with a sales run of only one year few machines were sold. Production stopped at frame number 885 (the frame number of the first machine is not known, but companies rarely started with number 1; more usually 101).
Nearly every other British autocycle was powered by the Villiers two-stroke engine. Only Excelsior, Cyc-Auto and HEC/Levis struck out with engines of their own design. The Villiers is a fine engine, and the Excelsior is very similar. But the Scott and the HEC/Levis are far superior in design and performance: both of their engines give the impression of riding a larger motorcycle rather than a machine under 100cc.
As well as having one of the most interesting engines, with its limited production run, the 1939-1940 HEC Power Cycle is Great Britain’s rarest autocycle.
On page 614 you can see a restored example of this model, its engine marked ‘LEVIS.’ The example for sale on this page, however, is the 1940 version: if you look at the close-up of the engine in the photos below, you’ll see that the engine on this one is marked ‘HEC.’ The factory was bombed on 3rd May of that year, and few of the H.E.C badged machines were manufactured, so this particular example is very rare.
This H.E.C is in first class unrestored condition, with its maker’s transfers intact. Ten years ago it was ridden extensively around France by one of my friends. It has been in dry storage since 2003. It has a V5C Registration Document. On sale, we’ll service and MOT it ready for further riding pleasures.
& HISTORY OF LEVIS MOTORCYCLES
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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING
OWNER: BuyVintage Online Auctions
LOCATION: Brighton, E.Sussex, United Kingdom
DELIVERY is not included in this auction.
Mainland Great Britain – delivery is £70
I CAN STRIP, BOX & SEND IT BY AIR-COURIER (FED-EX, etc) WORLDWIDE
Ireland & N. Ireland – £140
Europe – £140
North America – £180
Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc – £300
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VEHICLE CONDITION: Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts – but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT BID.
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